Rail-chair.



A. G. LIEBMANN.

RAIL CHAIR.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 11. me. RENEWED JUNE 13. I918.

1 ,27 9 ,726. Patented Sept. 24, 1918. V

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

A. s. LIEBMANN.

RAIL CHAIR.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. II. I916. RENEWED JUNE I3. 1918.

Patented Sept. 24, 1918.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

. (gnaw Ibex A. G. LIEBMANN.

1,279,726. Patented Sept. 24,1918.

, 3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

APPLICATION 35 fiz@./Q

1 29 32 x H:! 15 in 20 37 5/7 7 I k f fiklov awuemtoz j UNITED s rA'rns PATENT orn onf .AUGUST G. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

' RAIL-CHAIR.

7 Specification ofLetters Patent. Patented se ptj 24 Application filed January 11, 1916, Serial N0.'71,584. Renewed Ju 11e 13, 1918. Serial No. 239,877. 7

To all whom 2'25 may concern;

Be it known that I, AUGUST G. LIEBMANN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rail-Chairs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to railway track appliances and more particularly to rail chairs.

The object of the invention, generally stated, is to providea chair whichw-illhold the rails under all conditions of track without theuse of rail anchors and which will positively prevent creeping of the rails.

A further object of the invention is to provide a rail chair particularly adaptedfor use on soft wood ties or treated soft wood engage the rail and upstanding abutments,

respectively, e

A further object is to providemeans on the upstanding abutments and co-acting with the rail clamping members for guiding said members to their seats and preventing accidental rotation thereof after adjust ment. r

A further object is to so construct th parts that there shall be no torsional or lateral, strain on the bol'tsor primary fastening devices, thereby making it practical to use bolts of relatively small diameters.

A still further object of the invention is generally to improve this class of devices so as to increase their utility, durability and efficiency, as well as to reduce the cost of manufacture.

Further objects and advantages will. appearin the following description, it being .imderstood that. various changes .in form,

p po ions and m no e a of n t iict on m yber s t t w thin the cope o j the appended .claims.

n th dra ngs 1 Figure 1 is a perspectiveview of a rail chair embodyingthe presentainventlon;

Fig. 2 is astop plan view;;. p

. 1 ig 3-is-a a sv s cti na ew; 3

t a o m nlanview o h beset plate Fig, .5 is a top plan i one of t rail damp g m mb s;

Fig. 6, is a side view ofsaid rail'clampi 11 g mem er 1; Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view; 7 I I Fig.8 is a side elevation ofbneofthe screw caps; V

Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig.1!) is. a side elevation, partly.- in sec 3 vtion, showing the chair used. for holding angle bars at the-junction of adj acentrails;

' Fig. 11 is asideelevationof Fig. .10;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of one-of; the

clamping nuts shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 13 is a side elevation thereof; Flg. H is a topplan-v-iew of a modified f rm f, clampi g n Fig. 15 is a side elevation thereof.-

. Corresponding and like parts are referred; i

to in: the following description and indicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

Referring to the drawings, A represents a rail having-a standard cross section, and B a tie supportingthe rail. Mounted upon the .cross tie B is a bed plate;5,- preferably a malleable casting, although the plate may be otherwise formed, if desired. Thebed plate 5 is substantially rectangular, in shapeand preferably extends the entire widthzof the upper surface of the tie, as shown. De-

pending from thebed plate 5 and preferably formed integral therewith are extensions or dowels 6- wh-ich fit into correspondingly 1 shaped recesses Tformed-in the upper ,surface of the cross tie and constitute in effect .a-but-ments. The exterior walls of the dowels 6 are preferably smooth and slightly tapered,

while the interior walls thereof are cylin-. drical and also preferably smooth. The

apertures S for the reception -.of primary'fastening devices preferably in the form of bolts 9, each comprising a straight shank of square stock or, if desired, a round stock or shank with a square portion upset under the head to engage the hole in the tie and prevent the bolt from turning. The lower end of each primary fastening device or bolt 9 is provided with a head 10 which bears against a washer 11 on the lower surface of the tie, while the upper end of the bolt is preferably conical and provided with threads 12 for engagement with a clamping nut 13. The clamping nut 13 is preferably of the construction illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings, that is to say, the upper face of said nut is provided with notches or depressions 14 to permit the nut to be conveniently grasped with a suitable socket wrench and clamped in engagement with the base of the adjacent dowel, so as to hold the base plate 5 in position on the tie when transporting the ties from the treating plant to the place of use. The clamping nuts 13 also serve to hold the bolts 9 in position to receive the screw caps hereinafter referred to. a

Spaced inwardly from the opposite ends of the bed plate 5 are upstanding abutments 15, preferably formed integral with the plate and extending approximately one-half the width thereof, these abutments being arranged at diagonally opposite corners of the bed plate and being connected therewith by terminal substantially triangular webs 16. The abutments 15 are further reinforced and strengthened by a plurality of buttressing webs 17 which extend from the upper ends of the abutments 15 to the adjacent end of the plate, as shown.

That portion of the bed plate 5 opposite 'each upstanding abutment 15 is preferably cut-away at 18 in order to lighten the weight of the plate, while the lower face of said bed plate is formed with a plurality of substantially elliptical depressions 19 arranged in staggered relation throughout the entire area of the plate. These depressions 19 not only lighten the weight of the plate but also form in effect pockets to receive the fiber of the wood of the tie when the bed plate is positioned on the tie and firmly clamped thereto.

As a means for holding the rail A in different positions of lateral and vertical adjustment on the bed plate, there are provided interchangeable rail clamping members 20 each preferably octagonal in shape and provided with a depending eccentric portion 21 having a plurality of angular faces 22 preferably eight in numberyas best shown in Figs.5 to 7 inclusive of the drawings. Each rail clamping member includes a circumferential flange 23 having angular faces '24 corresponding in number to the angular faces of the eccentric 21 and the lower face I washer 29.

of this flange 23 is beveled to form a clamping lip 25 adapted to bear against the base flange of the rail. Arranged on the inner face of each abutment 15 are spaced locking ribs 26 which engage the angular faces 24 of the rail clamping members and serve to prevent accidental rotation of said members after adjustment. Each rail clamping member is preferably provided with a plurality of spaced radiating reinforcing ribs 27, while the upper face of each clamping member, around the opening therein, is preferably fiat to form a seat 28 for a spring Extending through the opening or bore 30 in each rail clamping member, is a secondary fastening device preferably in the form of a screw cap 31, cylindrical in form, and provided with a hollow portion or bore, the interior walls of which-are threaded at 32 for engagement with the threads 12 on the adjacent primary fastening device or bolt 9. Each screw cap'is'preferably provided with an angular head 33 by means of which the screw cap may be conveniently grasped with a wrench or other tool and said screw cap rotated to clamp the members 20 in engagement with the rail and also to prevent displacement of the primary fastening devices or bolts 9. It will thus be seen that the screw caps 31 perform the dual function of a looking or clamping means for the rail clamping members 20 and as a permanent clamping means for the bolts 9. It will here be noted that the rail clamping members 20 are disposed in staggered relation on the bed plate 5, while the primary fastening devices or bolts 9 not only serve to hold the bed plate on the cross tie but by engagement with the .jacent longitudinal edge of the rail and one of the angular faces 24 of the flange 23 bears against the inner face of the adj acent abutment, the rail clamping members being locked against rotation after adjustment by engagement with the locking ribs 26. By such a construction, the rails may be adj usted laterally for gage and vertically for surface without disturbing the primary fastening devices and, consequently, without respiking or otherwise mutilating the tie. Then the rail is adjusted vertically for sur face, a shim, indicated at 34, is interposed between the base plate 5 and the lower face of the rail, as best shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.

In order to adjust the rail laterally on the bed plate for gage, it is merely necessary to remove the screwcaps 31 and position. one of the rail clamping members on the base plate with the large portion of the eccentric bearing against the base flange of .the rail on one side thereof andwith the short portion of the eccentric of the other clamping member bearing againstthe base flange of the rail on the other side of said rail, after which the screw caps are threaded on the bolts 9 and adjusted home, which clamps the members 20 in engagement with the base flange of the rail and effectually prevents accidental displacement of said rail. It will be understood that by moving. the' rail clamping members 20 to diflerentpositions of adjustment, upon the bed plate 5, the rail may be shifted in eitherdirection for gage, as required. In order to adjust the rail vertically for surface, the screw caps are rotated to elevate the same and the shim 34c placed beneath the rail, after which the screw caps are tightened, as best shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.

Particular attention is called to the fact that when the rail clamping members-are adjusted,'one of the angular faces of the eccentric 21' of each clamping member will bear against the rail while one of the angular faces of the flange 23 will bear against the adjacent upstanding abutment 15 so that the abutments 15 receive the lateral thrust of the rail and the primary fastening devices'or bolts 9 receive no torsional or lateral strain, thereby making it practical to use boltsof relatively small diameter. It will also be noted that the vertical ribs 26 on the abutments not only serve to assist in preventing accidental rotation of the rail clamping members after once adjusted, but also form vertical guides for the rail clamping members and direct said rail clamping members onto the bed plate after said members have been rotated to the proper position to effect the necessary adjustment of the rail. In other words, the ribs 26 form guides for the rail clamping members when adjusting said members vertically for gage and also serve to guide the members onto the bed plate after said members have been rotated to the required distance to effect the necessary lateral adjustment of the rail for gage.

In Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the chair is shown in connection with a rail joint, one of the chairs being supported on each tie and engaging the adjacent. angle bars 35. The construction and operation of this form of the chair is similar to that bed plate 5, shown in Figs. 10 and 11, is

made of sufficient length to accommodate the lateral flanges of the angle bars 35. A

modified form of clamping nut is shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the nut 13, in this form of the device. being provided with upstanding teeth 36 for engagement with a suitable wrench, instead of the sockets 14-shown in Figs. 12 and 13. It is obvious that either form of. clamp nut may-be employed at will. It will also be understood that the rail chairs will be made in rights and leftsv but that the parts are so constructed thatithe railcla nping members may-be interchanged, when desired. v 7 'From theforegoing description, it will be seen that the improved chair. eifectually eliminates the use of rail anchors, positively prevents creeping of the rails and provides for." gage variations on curves and tangents; for restoration of gage without respiking and for, rail surface variations and the like without respiking. The chair. and fastenerforming a part thereof are so constructed that it will effectually eliminate mechanical wear to cross ties and, consequently, prolong; the life of treated or untreated ties. by providing for lateral and vertical adjustment of the chair for curves or tangents without 7 the necessity of disturbing the primaryfastening devices or respiking or shifting the bed plate of theflchair on the tie to efiect such adjustments. f

Having thus described. the; invention, what is claimed as newis:

:1. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices for the bedplate, rail-clamping members movable to different. positions of adjustment on the bed plate'and engaging the abutments, and secondary fastening dements and co-acting with the rail clamping members for guiding said members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices for holding the clamping members in adjusted position; I

8. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primaryfastening devices for the bed plate, rail clamping;

members 'movable to different positions of ad ustment on the bed plate and engaging the abutments. spaced ribs on the abutments for guiding therail clamping membersto their seats, and secondaryfastening devices engagingthe primary fastening'devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members.

4. A rail chair including a bed platehaving upstanding abutments disposed in staggered relation, primary fastening devices for said bed plate, rail clampingv members movable to different positions ofadjustment on the bed plate and engaging the abutments, and secondary fastening devices extending through the rail clamping members and engaging the primary fastening derail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the upstanding abutments, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and c,oacting with the rail clamping members.

6. A rail chair including a bed plate having depending abutments and upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices eX- tending through the depending abutments, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the upstanding abutments, ribs formed on said upstanding abutments for guiding the clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members.

7. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments and depending abutments, the lower face of the bed plate being provided with depressions, primary fasteningdevices extending through the depending abutments, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the upstanding abutments, means on said upstanding abutments for guiding the rail clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members.

8. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments disposed in staggered relation, buttressing webs connecting the outer faces of the abutments with the base plate, primary fastening devices for the bed plate, rail clamping members movable to difierent positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the abutments, ribs fcrmed on the inner faces of the abutments for guiding the clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members.

9. A rail chair including a bed plate hav ing upstandin abutments disposed in staggered relation, each abutment having its inner face connected with the bed plate by terminal reinforcing webs and its outer face connected to said bed plate by intermediate buttressing webs, primary fastening devices for the bed plate, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the abutments, spaced ribs formed on the inner faces of theabutments for guiding therail clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members.

10. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primary fas co-acting with therail clamping members. 1

11. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices for the bed plate, rail clamping 'members movable to, diiferent positions of adjustment on the bed plate and provided with depending eccentrics having angular faces for engagement with a rail, said rail clamping members having other angular faces for engagement with the abutments, and secondary fastening devices extending through the rail clamping members and'engagingthe primary fastening devices.

12. A rail chair including a bed plate having depending abutments and upstanding abutments, bolts for anchoring the bed plate on a cross tie and having their upper ends threaded and extending through the depending abutments, a clamping nut engaging each bolt and bearing against the bottom of each depending abutment, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and bearing against the upstanding abutments, and screw caps extending through the rail clam in members and en a in the threads on the bolts;

13. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices for the bed plate, rail clamping members movable to different positions 10f adjustment on the bed plate and each having a flange provided with an angular face for engagement with the adjacent abutment and a depending eccentric having angular faces for engagement with a rail, and secondary fastening devices extending through the rail clamping members and engaging the primary fastening devices.

14. A rail chair including a bed plate having depending abutments for insertion in a cross tie and provided with upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices ex-V engagement with the base flange of a rail, and secondary fastening devices extending through the rail clamping members and engaging the primary fastening devices.

15. A rail chair including a bed plate having depending abutments and upstanding abutments, the latter being spaced inwardly from the opposite ends of the bed plate and disposed in staggered relation, primary fastening devices for securing the bed plate on a cross tie, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and each provided with a flange having angular faces for engagement with the adjacent abutment, and a depending eccentric having angular faces for engagement with the base flange of a rail, ribs formed on the inner faces of the abutments for guiding the rail clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices extending through the rail clamping members and engaging the primary fastening devices.

16. A rail chair including a bed plate having upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices for securing the bed plate to a cross tie, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate for holding a rail in lateral and vertical ad ustment with respect to the bed plate, means carime. by the abutments for guiding the rail clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices en-,

gaging the primary fastening devices and said rail clamping members.

17. The combination with a cross tie, of a bed plate seated on the cross tie and provided with spaced upstanding abutments, a rail adapted to rest on the bed plate or on a shim, primary fastening devices engaging the cross tie, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment with respect to the bed plate and engaging the abutments, and secondary fastening de-' vices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members for holding the rail on said bed plate or shim.

18. The combination with a cross tie having spaced recesses formed therein, of a bed plate resting on the cross tie and provided with spaced depending abutments fitting within the recesses and also provided with upstanding abutments, primary fastening devices extending through the tie and depending abutments, a rail adapted to rest on the bed plate or on a shim, rail clamping members movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the upstanding abutments, means on the upstanding abutments for guiding the rail clamping members to their seats, and secondary fastening devices engaging the primary fastening devices and co-acting with the rail clamping members for holding the rail on said bed plate or shim.

' 19. A rail chair including a bed plate having an upstanding abutment, a primary fastening device for the bed plate, a rail clamping member movable to difl'erent positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the abutment, and a secondary fastening device engaging the primary fastening device and co-acting with the rail clamping member.

20. A rail chair including a bed plate having a depending abutment and an upstanding abutment, a primary fastening device extending through the depending abutment, a rail clamping member movable to different positions of adjustment on the bed plate and engaging the upstanding abutment, and a secondary fastening device engaging the primary fastening device and co-acting with the rail clamping member.

21. A rail chair including a bed plate having an upstanding abutment, a primary fastening device for the bed plate, a rail clamping member bearing against the abutment and having a portion adapted to engage over the upper surface of the base flange of a rail and another portion adapted to bear against the adjacentlongitudinal edge of the base flange of said rail, and a secondary fastening device engaging the primary fastening device and co-acting with the rail clamping member.

22. A rail clamping member comprising a body having an opening therethrough for the reception of a fastening device and provided with a circumferential flange, the lower face of which is inclined downwardly and the marginal edge thereof formed with a series of angular faces, said body being provided with a depending eccentric portion and the upper surface of the flange being formed with reinforcing ribs radiating from the opening in the body.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

AUGUST G. LIEBMANN. [L.s.]

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner or ratentl, Washington, D. 0." 

